Max Johnson gives message to Jaylen Henderson ahead of first start

Texas A&M starting quarterback Max Johnson was ruled out of Saturday night’s contest against Mississippi State. But that has not stopped last season’s transfer portal acquisition from remaining active and engaging with his teammates on the sideline. Arguably, the most important individual Johnson has been communicating with is Jaylen Henderson, who will get the start in his place against the Bulldogs.

Late in the first quarter, with the game tied 7-7, it was revealed what Johnson had to say about Henderson and his words of wisdom to the young Aggies quarterback.

“Of course, Max Johnson is disappointed he’s not playing tonight. But he did get a chance to talk with Jaylen Henderson before the football game, giving him some encouragement; he’s serving in a different role on the sidelines tonight. He said, ‘Look, we’re going to see a lot more RPO, Henderson can run the football, he understands his protections, and I’m really excited to see him play,’” said Johnson, according to ESPN sideline reporter Lauren Sisler.

In a battle between two young, inexperienced quarterbacks, freshman Chris Parson, starting for the injured Will Rogers for Mississippi State, Henderson has been able to hold his own and lead the Aggies on a number of scoring drives. Midway through the second quarter, Texas A&M holds a 20-10 lead thanks to Henderson’s dual-threat ability. So far tonight, he has completed three of his six passing attempts for 50 yards but also has eight carries for 31 yards and one touchdown.

Aggies AD explains Johnson Bost mixup

An interesting storyline developed just before the Texas A&M Aggies and Mississippi State Bulldogs kicked off on Saturday night. During team warmups, backup quarterback Blake Bost was spotted warming up on the field wearing starting quarterback Max Johnson’s No. 14.

Some speculated that it was a red herring attempt by Aggies head coach Jimbo Fisher to get the Bulldogs to bite that Johnson would, in fact, be suiting up and playing in the matchup.

Shortly before kickoff, Texas A&M attempted to clarify the miscommunication. Aggies athletic director Ross Bjork released this statement, per local College Station reporter Travis Brown, explaining why Bost was warming up wearing Johnson’s number.

“Official word on this from Ross Bjork: Backup QB Blake Bost couldn’t find his warmup top. His locker is next to Max Johnson’s. Being a good teammate, Johnson let him use his top, since he wasn’t playing today. No gamesmanship, Bjork said, just a lost warm-up top,” wrote Brown via X.